Grateful

Two hours with a master in forgiveness today was a powerful gift.  Granted, it was only two hours.  And who can really change deeply engrained habits based off of two hours of deep breathing and meditation and heavy statements from our teacher?  It's worth a shot though.  I used to thrive on stress and adrenaline and sleepless nights, but my new job deserves an energetic me.   A me that's excited to work long hours because the work is amazing and holds such power, a me that's able to make time for the gym, and a me that can enjoy my free time.

What really struck home today was the idea of being grateful.  An idea that includes listing all the positive things about the people you care about, rather than focusing on the gripes and annoyances.  Our instructor suggested taking time to remember the things we are grateful for, especially when we need to lower the adrenaline levels in our bodies and take a few moments to relax.  I'm going to use this space to note down the things I am grateful for, a gentle reminder to not let the craziness take hold.

This week I'm grateful for:

• Parents that support me and encourage me.
• Sisters that make me laugh like nothing else.
• A grandma that watches The Bachelor.
• Far away friends that make me just as happy as close-by friends.
• A man that loves me and inspires me to be better.
• Puppies so fluffy that you can't see their eyes.
• Running near the water.
• Early morning coffee dates.
• Shuttle snuggles.

Blurry pic.  Perfect night.  2/26/2013.

Beach Run

I love that I live two blocks from the ocean, and only a few miles from the Golden Gate Bridge.  It seemed like a huge waste of a Sunday to not run (okay, run/walk) to the bridge.  Makes me feel better about all the leftover Valentine's candy I can't seem to stop myself from eating.

2/24/2013.

Happy Place

I love how close San Francisco is to Sonoma.  Not only does my grandma live in Sonoma, but there are a million wineries, restaurants and fun things to do around Sonoma.  A million, I kid you not.

Last weekend, a friend organized a bus trip to a couple Sonoma wineries and the Sonoma Square.  Shenanigans were had, lots of wine and mimosas were consumed, and there was lots of quality time with my favorite boy.  Another highlight?  These little stinkers.  My love for furry babies only increases when I'm a little tips.  I cannot believe my boy puts up with this ;)

2/16/13

Randoms

I want to post more about life in SF and fun shenanigans we've gotten into, but little moments have been fulfilling me the most.  The fact that I (almost) have two hours guaranteed with the boyfriend every day, riding the shuttle, makes me smile.  Mostly we sleep or work or get really silly when traffic is bad, but it's quality time that would make me trade this job for absolutely nothing.

Oh, and sitting on the floor?  I used to do it at my old job, and stretch during really long phone calls.  And when I'm home, I love sitting my bum and eating dinner on the cold wood floor... even since I've gotten my big girl bed.

Love you little snippets of life that fill me with joy.

2/21/13

2/21/13 (crazy hair from a solid run... no shame)

Valentine's Day

Everything about Valentine's Day was so special.  I loved Valentine's as a single gal, don't get me wrong.  I had a blast going out with friends and swapping presents with my family.  I hear the arguments about how Valentine's is manufactured and commercial, but I think it's fun to have a day to celebrate love.

This was the first year I had a really magical Valentine's Day.  Stop reading now if the cheesiness is too much ;)  Boyfriend sent flowers to my desk (a secret dream come true) and took me out for an amazing night.  And you bet I made sure he felt special too.

I think my favorite part though were these little candy grams he had sent to me too.  When I picked them up in the lobby, all the comments almost made me want to shrivel into the floor and die.  Except they ended up being so adorable that I had to forgive him!  Instead of silly notes, each lollipop had one of our favorite song lyrics... or maybe my favorites that I've made boyfriend love too.

I used to pretend to be such a cynic about all this business, but I think I'm ready to embrace it 110%.  Family and friends, watch out!

I Love SF

Sometimes I forget that I live in one of the most amazing cities on the planet.  Boyfriend and I were sitting in my car, overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge, and giggling about all the tourists taking cheesy pictures.  But as soon as we finished laughing, we were ready to take our own pic.  I can't believe we've been dating for almost a year and haven't taken a token one with the lovely GG!

If you ever have the chance to hang out near the bridge, the only acceptable way is to bring wine and cheese.  And stuff yourself silly while you convince yourself that cheesy bridge pics aren't that bad ;)

2/18/2013

Love Note

I was walking running to the shuttle at 6 am the other day, and noticed this love note on a pizza box.   It was terrible, quite terrible in fact.  But kind of sad and sweet at the same time.  When I got to the last line though, I died a little.

"I will see you in another life when we are both cats."

I mean, sometimes I dream of being a cat just so I can sleep all day!  Dream big, pizza poet.

2/4/13.  

Happy Monday!

I was tired when I woke up today.  The Superbowl wore me out, yo.  But after I worked out my soreness at the gym, video chatted with my traveling bf, and walking into my cube, I felt so awake and so... happy.  I was excited to just be present.  I kept looking around, wondering where this happiness was coming from.  Today was such a good day, and it was honestly just the regular, ho-hum nothings of today that made me happiest.

Working on this ;) Via.

Sunny Run

It was a gorgeous day in San Francisco, so it (almost) made me excited to hit the pavement.  There's a perfect trail from my apartment to the Golden Gate Bridge, so I challenged myself to run as far as I could.  I'll take the amount I was able to run as a good sign.  Trying to be as active as possible this year!

February 3, 2013.

The Best Kind of Friends

Post-college is weird, no?  You leave the place you felt welcomed and secure, move away from your best friends, and try to keep things exactly the same even when you are miles apart.

It's hard though.  When you work 50-60 hours a week and commute two hours a day (at least), free time is precious and becomes allotted between favorite people.  I'll admit that at times I am great at balancing work and life, and other times I am the suckiest person ever at this.  And ignore the people that mean the most to me.

I'm working on it; I really am.  There are some really special people that I want to share my post-grad adventures with, and these are the people that I want to be excited for too.  Tonight, one of my college besties was a few blocks away from my apartment, and a quick catch-up/hugs/snuggle sesh was such a treat.  I love my friends.

Cannot believe I've never stopped by here!